Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for initiating this important Bill in the Seanad. This comprehensive legislation demonstrates the Government's commitment to proper animal health and welfare practices. The Government has already introduced legislation governing greyhound welfare and dog breeding establishments.

As the Bill before us strikes a balance in the proper treatment of animals, most right thinking people will welcome its provisions. It is important that animal health and welfare issues are dealt with in a single Bill rather than separately through the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and Diseases of Animals Act 1966. The Minister noted that the latter Acts were drafted in an era which was very different from today and they have become incompatible with today's needs. One of the major areas in which the 1911 Act was inadequate was its failure to allow pre-emptive action where an animal is at risk of suffering. Under the current regime, authorised officers can only act where suffering is taking place but this Bill will allow for a more proactive approach, as well a duty of care on the part of a keeper to look after his or her animal's welfare. I welcome the increased powers that are being given to authorised officers because they are balanced and fair.

The Bill will prohibit the sale of animals to children under the age of 16. Responsibility for an animal will be vested in the child's parent or guardian. Senator O'Keeffe will, therefore, be responsible for the cockerel she described earlier.

Section 12 prohibits people from allowing animals to suffer unnecessarily, whether through direct physical abuse, recklessness or negligence. This section does not apply to activity occurring during the normal course of hunting, fishing or coursing. No decent person who is involved in coursing would have a problem with the provisions specifying that the cruelty provisions may apply if an animal is hunted after being released in an exhausted, mutilated or injured condition or if a hare is coursed without reasonable chance of escape. Some people may be enjoy such practices but 99% of coursing clubs would welcome this provision.

This country has been sullied by the instances of dog fighting which have been reported in television programmes. It is a despicable practice and I support the Minister in his quest to stamp it out. I welcome that the penalties in this area are to be increased.

I was the first Senator to raise the issue of puppy farms in this House. I hope the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and other legislation have helped to eliminate bad practices. Perhaps the Minister can elaborate on the issue.

Senator Barrett raised the issue of sulky carts and horses trotting on concrete or tarmacadam roads. I regard this as a form of cruelty which should be addressed. However, I differ with the Senator regarding the horse racing industry. The Grand National is a very important race and horses are put down at race meetings all over the world. They can also be injured when they are exercising or training but horse owners and trainers have a vested interest in the health and welfare of their animals.

I am disappointed that we did not hear more contributions from Senators but perhaps that will improve on Committee Stage. I thank the Minister and his officials for preparing this Bill and for initiating it in the Seanad.